Members of the Inter American Magnet School community told the board on June 26 that they have repeatedly filed complaints and voted no-confidence in their principal but have not received timely responses from district investigators.

Speakers — including former local school council members, parents and staff — said the LSC took a no-confidence vote in August and filed formal removal charges in October, and that the district’s investigation has not produced an outcome. "It has been 261 days, and we still have not received a response from the district regarding those charges," said Marilou Ugarte, a former LSC member who asked the board to remove the principal immediately.

Parents and staff described allegations ranging from failure to follow required budget and Title IX protocols to instances of retaliation against parents, staff and students whose family members raised concerns. Several speakers said teachers had been reassigned without notice and that LSC participation had been impeded.

Discussion vs. action: The comments were delivered in public participation; no board vote to remove a principal occurred at the June 26 meeting. Several speakers asked the interim superintendent to use her authority to act while investigations continue.

What speakers requested: Immediate removal or administrative reassignment of the principal pending investigation and clearer communications from the district to parents and staff about investigative steps and timelines. Several asked that an acting-in-charge (AIC) be appointed before the new school year begins.

Reporting note: Multiple speakers referenced formal charges and LSC votes; these are claims made during public comment and the district’s official investigative status should be confirmed with CPS legal and the Office of Local School Council Relations for details and timing of any personnel actions.